Haze puts races on hold
Rising air pollution levels in Malaysia have forced the cancellation or postponement of several sporting events, including the PJ Half Marathon. Organizers are prioritizing participant health as the Air Pollutant Index reaches hazardous levels.
Why it matters
Environmental health crises are increasingly disrupting public life and community sporting events in Southeast Asia.
Several sporting events cancelled or postponed as API climbs
PETALING JAYA: Haze has forced organisers to pull the plug on or postpone several sporting events, with participants being informed of the changes and arrangements made for race packs and other event matters.
The PJ Half Marathon, which was scheduled for yesterday, was cancelled, while four Para Sukma events in Selangor – athletics, swimming, archery and lawn bowls – were postponed after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reached 169 at noon.
In Kuching, the Merdeka Spirit Run was also postponed from Sept 6 to Oct 4, with organisers saying the decision was made to safeguard participants’ health and safety. Race pack collection, however, proceeded as scheduled.
The PJ Half Marathon organiser also announced the cancellation at the 11th hour, with the event’s terms stating that entry fees are generally non-refundable if the event is cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.
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